Japan's parliamentary election

Japan exit polls suggest boost for PM Abe in senate election

About half the seats in the upper house of parliament were up for grabs.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is hoping for backing for his economic policies.

If he can achieve a two-thirds majority in the upper house, to match that in the lower house, he could also hold a referendum on constitutional change, easing constraints on military action.

Polling stations closed at 20:00 local time (11:00 GMT).